Packing Up and Moving Out

I just discovered WordPress and it’s fab! You’ll find me blogging over here from now on…

Blog changes…

What started out as a way to keep friends and family updated on our little munchkin has slowly evolved into a blog! I’m a blogger! : ) I’m experimenting with new templates and a new name so bear with me! If you like (or don’t like) what you see…comment and let me know! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Review: Homemade Baby

I have a gourmet baby! I guess that is what I get for being a “gourmet mom.” At least that’s what my husband thinks I am! Ever since I discovered Whole Foods, I’ve slowly transitioned and now do most of my grocery shopping there. I just started my little munchkin on solids and he LOVES his cereal. Well, I decided a few nights ago to make baby food, just like the Baby Bistro Box suggests.

Well, here is how it went…

So…since that didn’t go over so well I headed over to Whole Foods today. I personally don’t care for the look, smell, or taste of jarred baby food (yes I’ve tasted it) so I decided to get a product I actually tried at the Little Monster Market…Just Peas by Homemade Baby. We weren’t sure if munchkin didn’t like peas or if he didn’t like MOMMY’s peas. I warmed up the So Smooth peas and prepared my back-up plan (aka rice and oatmeal cereal) just in case he rejected the first. Well, he cleaned his plate and was looking for more. Thank you Homemade Baby for making my little munchkin happy, healthy and loving his peas.

Homemade Baby uses organic ingredients to prepare fresh, wholesome meals. The meals are prepared in such a way to preserve the nutritional value while retaining that “homemade” taste. If you are interested in trying out Homemade Baby, you can head on over to their site to download a coupon. Find your nearest retailer here. Do you have a picky eater? If you are in the Los Angeles area, visit the Baby Tasting Room. Here’s to my gourmet baby!

Cool Contests of the Week

Chic Shops Baby is continuing their giveaways this week. You still have time to enter to win a Kaboost, a Max Daniel Designer Baby Blanket, and a Sam Hobo diaper bag. Head on over here daily to win!

Much More than a Mom is hosting a fab giveaway. You can enter to win a sling from ModMum! Head on over to this post for details.

Deadline: December 31, 2007

I Survived Mastitis…

Last week I developed mastitis and I wanted to share some of the things I learned since it was horribly painful! I hope no woman has to go through this but here are some tips for preventing and dealing with mastitis.

Predisposing factors: Fatigue, plugged ducts, sore/cracked nipples, improper latch, inadequate and/or infrequent removal of milk, engorgement, baby has begun solids, baby has begun sleeping through the night.

Signs and Symptoms of Mastitis: Unilateral and localized pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness of the breast, fever, chills, fatigue, body aches.

Treatment of Mastitis: Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect a breast infection to prevent worsening or progression to more serious complications (i.e. abcess). Use pain relief measures such as Tylenol or Advil as directed by your healthcare provider. Complete all prescribed antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider. Nurse your baby frequently and completely to achieve complete emptying of the breasts. If you are unable to nurse you may use a breast pump to achieve this. Apply warm compresses or take a warm shower prior to nursing/pumping. Ensure that you are adequately hydrated and that you consume 500 extra calories.

A lactation consultant actually suggested a supplement called Lecithin to prevent plugged ducts, a frequent cause of mastitis. Dr. Sears has some wonderful information about plugged ducts and mastitis.

Yeah! We’re still nursing and mommy is feeling much better. We’ve made it almost 6 months. Here’s to 6 more!

The information provided is simply informative and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Review: Crawling: A Father’s First Year

When I was pregnant with my son, I had plenty of time to read all about becoming a mom. But I was particular about what I read. I wanted authentic, raw narratives of what parenting was all about. And this is what Elisha Cooper does in his book Crawling, which details an account of the first year spent raising his daughter. You’ll laugh…you’ll cry… you’ll gasp…and you’ll relate because you’ve experienced similar moments in your journey through parenthood. And maybe you’ll rethink the significance of a father’s role in his child’s life. Zoe and Elisha seem to raise each other, as each grows and experiences life and the changes that arise when you add a baby into the mix. Expectant and new parents will cherish this funny, poignant and captivating book.

Elisha Cooper is candidly honest about his fears and weaknesses as he challenges his readers that “acceptance of change is at the heart of parenting, which is not good for someone so bad at it.” His initial struggle to preserve his independence and sense of normalcy is tenderly broken down. By the end of the book you’ll forget that he “never liked children.” His love for little Zoe emerges strong and fierce. “I’m beginning to understand the parental sentiment – which I always thought unhinged and untrue – that I would give my life for my child.”

The day to day details of raising a child come alive as Elisha struggles through diapers, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and all the joys and struggles of parenthood. Elisha is not only a painter, but an artist who splashes vivacious color on the canvas of fatherhood.

One of my favorite chapters is his depiction of the night Zoe went to the hospital. (Of course being a nurse this would tug at my heart strings). Anyone who has stayed up all night with a sick child, or worse, has had to bring their child to the hospital, will empathize with Elisha.
“All parents feel this, a worry that is deep and intractable, understandable and irrational both.”

The book concludes with an emotional portrayal of a parent’s worse fear…a dog bite. What an overwhelming sense of responsibility parenthood is! And yet, as Elisha continues to paint a picture of his daughter’s experience in the emergency room, we appreciate that as parents we can only do our best to protect our children. And sometimes our best efforts may fail. But as Elisha narrates, you’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief as the realization emerges “that to be a parent you [don't] have to be perfect…”

Read (RUN!) Elisha’s book and be inspired this holiday season. You can purchase it here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I’d like to thank Elisha Cooper and Mom Central for the opportunity to review this delightful little book.

Review: Crawling: A Father’s First Year

When I was pregnant with my son, I had plenty of time to read all about becoming a mom. But I was particular about what I read. I wanted authentic, raw narratives of what parenting was all about. And this is what Elisha Cooper does in his book Crawling, which details an account of the first year spent raising his daughter. You’ll laugh…you’ll cry… you’ll gasp…and you’ll relate because you’ve experienced similar moments in your journey through parenthood. And maybe you’ll rethink the significance of a father’s role in his child’s life. Zoe and Elisha seem to raise each other, as each grows and experiences life and the changes that arise when you add a baby into the mix. Expectant and new parents will cherish this funny, poignant and captivating book.

Elisha Cooper is candidly honest about his fears and weaknesses as he challenges his readers that “acceptance of change is at the heart of parenting, which is not good for someone so bad at it.” His initial struggle to preserve his independence and sense of normalcy is tenderly broken down. By the end of the book you’ll forget that he “never liked children.” His love for little Zoe emerges strong and fierce. “I’m beginning to understand the parental sentiment – which I always thought unhinged and untrue – that I would give my life for my child.”

The day to day details of raising a child come alive as Elisha struggles through diapers, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and all the joys and struggles of parenthood. Elisha is not only a painter, but an artist who splashes vivacious color on the canvas of fatherhood.

One of my favorite chapters is his depiction of the night Zoe went to the hospital. (Of course being a nurse this would tug at my heart strings). Anyone who has stayed up all night with a sick child, or worse, has had to bring their child to the hospital, will empathize with Elisha.
“All parents feel this, a worry that is deep and intractable, understandable and irrational both.”

The book concludes with an emotional portrayal of a parent’s worse fear…a dog bite. What an overwhelming sense of responsibility parenthood is! And yet, as Elisha continues to paint a picture of his daughter’s experience in the emergency room, we appreciate that as parents we can only do our best to protect our children. And sometimes our best efforts may fail. But as Elisha narrates, you’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief as the realization emerges “that to be a parent you [don't] have to be perfect…”

Read (RUN!) Elisha’s book and be inspired this holiday season. You can purchase it here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I’d like to thank Elisha Cooper and Mom Central for the opportunity to review this delightful little book.

Review: Crawling: A Father’s First Year

When I was pregnant with my son, I had plenty of time to read all about becoming a mom. But I was particular about what I read. I wanted authentic, raw narratives of what parenting was all about. And this is what Elisha Cooper does in his book Crawling, which details an account of the first year spent raising his daughter. You’ll laugh…you’ll cry… you’ll gasp…and you’ll relate because you’ve experienced similar moments in your journey through parenthood. And maybe you’ll rethink the significance of a father’s role in his child’s life. Zoe and Elisha seem to raise each other, as each grows and experiences life and the changes that arise when you add a baby into the mix. Expectant and new parents will cherish this funny, poignant and captivating book.

Elisha Cooper is candidly honest about his fears and weaknesses as he challenges his readers that “acceptance of change is at the heart of parenting, which is not good for someone so bad at it.” His initial struggle to preserve his independence and sense of normalcy is tenderly broken down. By the end of the book you’ll forget that he “never liked children.” His love for little Zoe emerges strong and fierce. “I’m beginning to understand the parental sentiment – which I always thought unhinged and untrue – that I would give my life for my child.”

The day to day details of raising a child come alive as Elisha struggles through diapers, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and all the joys and struggles of parenthood. Elisha is not only a painter, but an artist who splashes vivacious color on the canvas of fatherhood.

One of my favorite chapters is his depiction of the night Zoe went to the hospital. (Of course being a nurse this would tug at my heart strings). Anyone who has stayed up all night with a sick child, or worse, has had to bring their child to the hospital, will empathize with Elisha.
“All parents feel this, a worry that is deep and intractable, understandable and irrational both.”

The book concludes with an emotional portrayal of a parent’s worse fear…a dog bite. What an overwhelming sense of responsibility parenthood is! And yet, as Elisha continues to paint a picture of his daughter’s experience in the emergency room, we appreciate that as parents we can only do our best to protect our children. And sometimes our best efforts may fail. But as Elisha narrates, you’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief as the realization emerges “that to be a parent you [don't] have to be perfect…”

Read (RUN!) Elisha’s book and be inspired this holiday season. You can purchase it here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I’d like to thank Elisha Cooper and Mom Central for the opportunity to review this delightful little book.

Review: Crawling: A Father’s First Year

When I was pregnant with my son, I had plenty of time to read all about becoming a mom. But I was particular about what I read. I wanted authentic, raw narratives of what parenting was all about. And this is what Elisha Cooper does in his book Crawling, which details an account of the first year spent raising his daughter. You’ll laugh…you’ll cry… you’ll gasp…and you’ll relate because you’ve experienced similar moments in your journey through parenthood. And maybe you’ll rethink the significance of a father’s role in his child’s life. Zoe and Elisha seem to raise each other, as each grows and experiences life and the changes that arise when you add a baby into the mix. Expectant and new parents will cherish this funny, poignant and captivating book.

Elisha Cooper is candidly honest about his fears and weaknesses as he challenges his readers that “acceptance of change is at the heart of parenting, which is not good for someone so bad at it.” His initial struggle to preserve his independence and sense of normalcy is tenderly broken down. By the end of the book you’ll forget that he “never liked children.” His love for little Zoe emerges strong and fierce. “I’m beginning to understand the parental sentiment – which I always thought unhinged and untrue – that I would give my life for my child.”

The day to day details of raising a child come alive as Elisha struggles through diapers, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and all the joys and struggles of parenthood. Elisha is not only a painter, but an artist who splashes vivacious color on the canvas of fatherhood.

One of my favorite chapters is his depiction of the night Zoe went to the hospital. (Of course being a nurse this would tug at my heart strings). Anyone who has stayed up all night with a sick child, or worse, has had to bring their child to the hospital, will empathize with Elisha.
“All parents feel this, a worry that is deep and intractable, understandable and irrational both.”

The book concludes with an emotional portrayal of a parent’s worse fear…a dog bite. What an overwhelming sense of responsibility parenthood is! And yet, as Elisha continues to paint a picture of his daughter’s experience in the emergency room, we appreciate that as parents we can only do our best to protect our children. And sometimes our best efforts may fail. But as Elisha narrates, you’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief as the realization emerges “that to be a parent you [don't] have to be perfect…”

Read (RUN!) Elisha’s book and be inspired this holiday season. You can purchase it here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I’d like to thank Elisha Cooper and Mom Central for the opportunity to review this delightful little book.

Review: Crawling: A Father’s First Year

When I was pregnant with my son, I had plenty of time to read all about becoming a mom. But I was particular about what I read. I wanted authentic, raw narratives of what parenting was all about. And this is what Elisha Cooper does in his book Crawling, which details an account of the first year spent raising his daughter. You’ll laugh…you’ll cry… you’ll gasp…and you’ll relate because you’ve experienced similar moments in your journey through parenthood. And maybe you’ll rethink the significance of a father’s role in his child’s life. Zoe and Elisha seem to raise each other, as each grows and experiences life and the changes that arise when you add a baby into the mix. Expectant and new parents will cherish this funny, poignant and captivating book.

Elisha Cooper is candidly honest about his fears and weaknesses as he challenges his readers that “acceptance of change is at the heart of parenting, which is not good for someone so bad at it.” His initial struggle to preserve his independence and sense of normalcy is tenderly broken down. By the end of the book you’ll forget that he “never liked children.” His love for little Zoe emerges strong and fierce. “I’m beginning to understand the parental sentiment – which I always thought unhinged and untrue – that I would give my life for my child.”

The day to day details of raising a child come alive as Elisha struggles through diapers, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and all the joys and struggles of parenthood. Elisha is not only a painter, but an artist who splashes vivacious color on the canvas of fatherhood.

One of my favorite chapters is his depiction of the night Zoe went to the hospital. (Of course being a nurse this would tug at my heart strings). Anyone who has stayed up all night with a sick child, or worse, has had to bring their child to the hospital, will empathize with Elisha.
“All parents feel this, a worry that is deep and intractable, understandable and irrational both.”

The book concludes with an emotional portrayal of a parent’s worse fear…a dog bite. What an overwhelming sense of responsibility parenthood is! And yet, as Elisha continues to paint a picture of his daughter’s experience in the emergency room, we appreciate that as parents we can only do our best to protect our children. And sometimes our best efforts may fail. But as Elisha narrates, you’ll find yourself breathing a sigh of relief as the realization emerges “that to be a parent you [don't] have to be perfect…”

Read (RUN!) Elisha’s book and be inspired this holiday season. You can purchase it here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I’d like to thank Elisha Cooper and Mom Central for the opportunity to review this delightful little book.

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